- Carl Sagan

 

At American Academy, we are passionate about science education! We have adopted the Next Generation Science Standards for all science classes K-8. These exciting, performance-based standards aim to produce scientifically literate critical thinkers who demand high-quality data from reliable sources.

 

Cohesive Approach to Science: Kindergarten through fifth grade implemented a science curriculum, HMH Science Dimensions, that aligns with the Colorado State Science Standards and is designed to address the Next Generation Science Standards while keeping our emphasis as a Core Knowledge School. This program empowers students to learn science through self-directed exploration, analysis, application and explanation. With its cohesive, spiraled approach, the curriculum provides a consistent and engaging experience. Science Dimensions promotes a higher-quality science learning experience through a learning-by-doing and claims-evidence-reasoning approach to science education.  

 

Encouraging Students to Explore through Experimentation: HMH Science Dimensions motivates students to ask questions, state claims, test their ideas, and find resolution through reasoning - skills needed for next generation careers. Lessons immerse students in the wonders of their world, encouraging them to think like scientists and helping them build STEM skills.

 

Performance-based standards significantly change how teachers deliver information and what is expected of students; for instance, there is a much greater emphasis on assessment questions that require critical thinking and synthesis rather than rote memorization. While our students will be asked to memorize and use vocabulary words appropriately, they may not be asked to memorize much else -- and tests/quizzes will almost certainly not look just like the corresponding study guide.

 

Encourage students to study hard, but also talk to them about what they're learning in science and ask how those topics relate to their life, other areas they enjoy, etc. By helping students see connections between what they're learning in the classroom and real life, parents help students practice the critical thinking and synthesis they need to be successful both in science class and beyond school!